“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
John 12:26
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 along the North Shore of Lake Superior)
It takes discipline and a willingness to sacrifice self-serving ways. It is not about fame and fortune or ‘likes’ and ‘followers’. There are many in our society that choose a vocation to serve and it shows the goodness that comes from God that can shine through us. It really is a choice for each of us, how we want to live…what attitude we are going to put on each day. If and when you are finding it difficult due to the sinful nature of this world…turn towards God in prayer and put some of God’s Word in your heart to renew and refresh your spirit. I have often used Psalm 51:10-12 to help my spirit. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:1-4
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)
Today, we honor those who have served and sacrificed themselves for the greater good. These individuals knew that there are things much more important than self. They believed in serving to help others and fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. It takes courage and humility to do what they did and so we honor them with gratitude and respect for their sacrifice. Amen.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:1-4
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota)
There is a quote by John Wesley who was an English clergyman from the 1700’s that best sums up daily life and serving those in need. If more people took the time and effort to help someone else in a way that they can there would be fewer people in need of the basics in life of food, shelter and clothing. None of us can solve the whole problem alone yet we can help when we do whatever we can. Amen.
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
-John Wesley
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:40
(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Love is so much more than a feeling…it is actions and behaviors. It is about looking at the needs of those you love and being willing to serve them…not so you can keep score…rather, you serve them out of love and care for them. To live and serve in love is not about expecting something in return, that is something the world is teaching. The world will always push the selfish mentality in relationships which fails. Be willing to serve in love because you know and trust that God will provide for your needs. Amen.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at the Nakalele Blow Hole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)
Many of our frustrations, arguments and troubles in life originate in selfishness…either our own selfishness or because of somebody else’s selfish desires or wants. The only thing we have the power to change is ourselves. So how can anyone ever get along? It starts with listening, compassion, and a willingness to work for the good of many not just a few. None of us can attain this attitude of the Spirit without a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Seek Him, learn about Him and follow His example. Amen.
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:35
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore)
This is a way of being a leader that has care and empathy for others as much as anything. A servant leader understands that we is far greater than me. They include others in decision making, they pay attention to the growth and potential of those around them, they are not only good for a group or organization, their presence is necessary for sustainable growth and success. You know a servant leader when you see one as they tend to be different from the majority of leaders…they listen, they have high self-awareness and they are often shining a spot light on others. The greatest example of a servant leader we have is Jesus Christ…He gave of Himself to everyone and anyone, no matter what the “rules” of society were at the time. He taught others and set them up for growth and success, and with Him as their leader, the disciples spread the message that has changed the world like nothing ever has or ever will. They shared the Good News and it is still impacting the world today. They were leaders working to serve as they were taught, knowing the greatest success will come when you empower others to be future leaders. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ and His leadership as He is always working for your good. Amen.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 near the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior)
I have been doing some reflection on this phrase and what it is all about. In my faith journey I have learned that Jesus while on earth was a servant leader. He set the example for others, he was willing to humbly do and be what was needed to spread His message of love and service to grow the spiritual life of the apostles first and then to spread the Word to the far reaches of the world through them. To be a servant leader is to be a listener, to have awareness of the needs of others, to have empathy, to build community and to enrich the lives of others so that they can achieve their best. It is not about the individual as a leader in power over others…rather it is about serving others as the leader to help everyone achieve good things as a community. The best way to learn about this is to study the best example we have…Jesus. May God’s peace be with you.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:15
(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 